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Design Spotlight: Lisa Crisafi

June 12, 2012

Today’s Design Spotlight shines on Lisa Crisafi at Nest to Nest Greetings –  a well rounded artist with a great sense of humor!

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From the time I was able to hold a crayon, I loved to draw. I would doodle on anything. It was my passion.

I majored in mechanical drafting at a vocational high school. After some urging from my art teacher, I took classes at a local art college . Somehow, after 4 classes at the college, I landed a job as a layout artist at a well known pen company. It was there that I learned the world of desktop publishing. My boss and I taught ourselves Illustrator and Photoshop. I worked my way up in the company to Sr. Graphic Artist/Illustrator.

When I had children, I decided to leave my career to stay at home with them. It was a very easy decision, and I wouldn’t trade that time for anything.

They have been in school for a while now, and over the last 3 years I’ve been dappling in creative activities again. I discovered an online greeting card contest and decided to enter. I found that I had a knack for it as I’ve won multiple contests. Since then, I have developed a love for creating greeting cards, and discovered GCU about one year ago.

With GCU, I don’t have to wait for another contest. I can create all day long … and that’s what I do. I have a hard time pulling myself away from the computer. I carry a pad and pencil with me everywhere I go, and I’m always jotting down ideas. There are papers and notes everywhere!

I don’t have a specific style as I’m inspired by everything around me. I create how my mood leads me. I use photos as well as Illustrations, and lean towards simply stated and humorous cards.

My most popular card is this funny, and somewhat sarcastic,  “Thumbs Up Birthday Card”. (869701) It is intended for Facebook users and features a photo of my daughter’s hand. It has become very popular over the past two months. I think I’m going to have to tweak the background though, since Facebook is always changing.

Thank you GCU for the opportunity to share a little about myself and for a wonderful creative outlet!

12 Comments leave one →
  1. Alda - HeartTugs's avatar
    Alda - HeartTugs permalink
    June 12, 2012 12:29 pm

    Great card, Lisa! Very clever! As a fellow Hallmark contest winner, I can see why you have won so many Hallmark contests. Wishing you much continued success!

    • Lisa Crisafi's avatar
      Lisa Crisafi permalink
      June 12, 2012 3:15 pm

      Thank you Alda! Which contest did you win? I’d love to see your card. Do you still enter the contests?

  2. Jenny-JenGogh Designs's avatar
    June 12, 2012 12:30 pm

    Love this card, great spotlight!

    • Lisa Crisafi's avatar
      Lisa Crisafi permalink
      June 12, 2012 3:09 pm

      Thank you 🙂
      My daughter was 13 at the time and we had alot of fun making this!

      • Lisa Crisafi's avatar
        Lisa Crisafi permalink
        June 12, 2012 3:09 pm

        Thanks Jenny 🙂

  3. naquaiya's avatar
    naquaiya permalink
    June 12, 2012 2:36 pm

    A great story Lisa, loved reading about you. I would not have guess that this was your daughter’s hand. what fun!

    • Lisa Crisafi's avatar
      Lisa Crisafi permalink
      June 12, 2012 3:16 pm

      Thank you naquaiya! My daughter was 13 at the time and we had alot of fun making this card!

  4. Doreen/Salon of Art's avatar
    June 12, 2012 4:08 pm

    What a SUPER idea for a card Lisa! Congrats on making a unique, current and wonderful design! I had to laugh at your mention of carrying a notepad around for your ideas . . . Last year my husband gave me one of those mini personal recorders for the same purpose. We’ll be in the car and see a billboard and I’ll shout out an idea, then would never remember it by the time I get back to creating; LOL! I guess he got tired of trying to help me remember the flood of ideas 🙂
    I wish you continued success!

  5. Donna Collins's avatar
    Donna Collins permalink
    June 12, 2012 4:15 pm

    Hi Lisa,
    Your card is great..a clever idea…Great story too…Your store at GCU is GREAT too.

  6. Patty Cimlov-Zahares's avatar
    June 12, 2012 4:16 pm

    Hi Lisa! This is such a great card! I love your work and creativity. It’s about time they spotlighted you! 😀

  7. Janet Palaggi's avatar
    June 12, 2012 7:34 pm

    Wonderful spotlight Lisa, it’s always great getting to know a fellow artists.
    Your cards are adorable!

  8. Dragonfire Graphics's avatar
    June 13, 2012 7:31 pm

    Lisa, loved ready your bio. Your cards are awesome. Congrats on being in the spotlight.

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